World Book 1998 Multimedia Encyclopedia, Deluxe Edition
Reviewed by Cynthia A. Sorrels
Published by IBM

Age Group: Age 8 and Up, Adults Type: Reference Price: $ 69.99 US

PC version requires:
486-66 16 MB RAM, 25 M 2x CD-ROM, Windows 95, also on Windows 3.1, 640x480x256

Mac version requires:
Version not available.

Description:

The World Book 1998 Multimedia Encyclopedia - Deluxe Edition was released this month, and it's hard to see how, but IBM and World Book have outdone themselves. It's much easier to find the information you need, and the search engine seems to be more sensitive than last year's, which means that your search is more likely to pull up what you're looking for. The package includes extensive on-line features to keep your encyclopedia information current, sticky notes and more.

Features:

• A Homework Wizard that has to be seen to be believed!
• Streamlined interface - easier browsing.
• "Bubble views" 360 degrees "visits" to places around the world.
• One year of free updates over the Internet.
• Search engine that includes a Time Frame, and Just Looking option.
• All the articles from the best-selling print encyclopedia.

Technical Aspects:

This title installed with no problems, ran nicely without any errors or crashes. There isn't any music playing, which worried me at first - sound card problems, perhaps? But no, the program is designed that way.

Report and Conclusion:

World Book 1998 Multimedia Encyclopedia - Deluxe Edition has an incredible Homework Wizard that takes students step-by-step through writing reports. It prompts students through each step in a way that takes the mystery out of writing a paper. The title is targeted for children ages 10 and up, but I feel that even some college students would benefit from this particular option. As you do research with the encyclopedia, notecards appear - type in a sentence or cut and paste directly from the encyclopedia. Later, the notecards are displayed to be sorted for drafting the report. It's incredible!

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